Beef and Sausage Meatballs

When it comes to comfort foods, spaghetti and meatballs is a hard one to beat. Make it extra special with homemade tomato sauce and meatballs that are as easy as they are satisfying.

Total Time: 5:20

Prep: 0:20

Level:
Moderate

Yield:
4 servings (cost per serving of $1.80)

Serves:
4

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Ingredients

1 can crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp. tomato paste

1 tsp. dried oregano

Kosher salt

pepper

1 large onion

3 sprig basil

4 clove garlic

¼ c. Grated Parmesan

2 tbsp. panko bread crumbs

½ lb. sweet Italian sausage

½ lb. lean ground beef

12 oz. spaghetti

Directions

In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, basil, and half the garlic.

In a large bowl, combine the Parmesan, panko, remaining garlic, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the sausage and beef and gently mix to combine.

Shape the meat mixture into 20 balls (about 1 1/2 inch each) and place on top of the tomato mixture. Cook, covered, until the meatballs are cooked through, 4 to 5 hours on high or 6 to 7 hours on low.

Twenty minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Toss with the meatballs and sauce and serve with additional basil and Parmesan, if desired.

Tips & Techniques

Switch It Up: Turn these easy meatballs into heroes! Omit the spaghetti and arrange split hoagie rolls on a baking sheet. Fill with meatballs, sauce, and grated mozzarella. Broil just until cheese is melted and bread is toasted, 2 to 3 minutes.